Listeria Fears Show Benefit of Recall Apps

A nationwide recall of peaches, plums and nectarines over Listeria fears highlights the benefit of recall apps that can alert users to potentially dangerous food fast. In this most recent recall worries of Listeria contamination prompts the recall of several types of fruit and also in Wegman’s baked goods.

This recall is over due to the potential for Listeria contamination. This is a voluntary recall after internal testing that prompted a shut down and sanitization at a facility. Even though further tests show negative for Listeria the recall remains in effect.

The fruit distributed nationwide at Trader Joe’s and Costco is potentially contaminated with Listeria, as are Wegman’s baked goods made with the fruit.

Sample box of CostCo Peaches and Nectarines as part of the Listeria recall.

The Wawona Packaging products potentially contaminated with Listeria were packed between June 1st and July 12th, 2014. They include whole peaches (white and yellow), nectarines (white and yellow), plums and pluots sold to various retailers and in a variety of packaging.

Listeria contamination can lead to listeriosis, an infection that affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns and those with weak immune systems hardest. According to WebMD symptoms include, “fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.”

In order to stay on top of recall news for Listeria and other food and consumer product recalls consumers can turn to an iPhone app like Recalls. The free app offers a look at the latest recalls by product type and for a 99 cent Pro upgrade can deliver push notifications for recalls. this app also includes photos of the items, so users can see what is recalled.

The app shows the two Listeria based recalls at the top of the list in the free version. Although the company issued the Listeria related recall on July 19th, it was not until July 22nd that it gained widespread attention online. An app like Recalls for iPhone can help alert users faster.

What is Listeria? The video above explains what Listeria is and why this recall is important.

Recall Watch on Android also offers a similar, but less attractive way to see recalls. This app shows the Listeria recall at Wawona Packaging and Wegmans, but does not offer notifications. You can share a recall with friends or family on Facebook, Twitter, text message or by email right from the app.

Trader Joe’s peaches are part of this nationwide listeria recall.

Brent Smittcamp, President of Wawona Packaging Co announced in the recall press release, “We are aware of no illnesses related to the consumption of these products.” adding, “By taking the precautionary step of recalling product, we will minimize even the slightest risk to public health, and that is our priority.”

Consumers that want to stay on top of similar recalls can download these recall apps for iPhone, iPad or Android to make sure they are aware of potential health to safety hazards. Both of these recall apps track more than food recalls.